Spiritual Discovery: A Method for Discernment in Small Groups and Congregations - Tapa dura

Adapted from Jane Vennard's practice of group prayer, Tran and Boyd give us the fruit of years of experience and provide careful attention to each aspect of this spiritual discernment model. Those who are discernment guides will want to have this book.--Daniel Prechtel, Founder and Spiritual Director, Lamb & Lion Spiritual Guidance Ministries, Assisting Priest, All Souls Episcopal Parish, Berkeley

Tran and Boyd have shared their experience and wisdom with us in this practical guide about the lifelong process of spiritual discovery and discernment. They have beautifully woven together the artistry of discovery and the skilled craft of discernment through the hospitality of storytelling, the gift of holy listening, and the power of silence.--Gil W. Stafford, author of "When Leadership and Spiritual Direction Meet"

Tran and Boyd have translated the spiritual direction work of Jane Vennard into a powerful model for group discernment and individual transformation. Like all spiritual direction, this model requires patience, dedication, and love, but the benefits in community are enormous.--Amy Frykholm, associate editor, "The Christian Century"

The ancient practice of spiritual direction has caught the attention of many segments of the church in the last few decades, but congregations often struggle to identify how this practice can shape the ethos of their communities today. In this thought-provoking, practical book, Tran and Boyd help congregations take a significant step toward integrating spiritual direction into their personal and communal discernment processes. Any pastor or lay person would benefit greatly from exploring and implementing the Prayer Model and Spiritual Discovery Method described in this book.--Angela H. Reed, George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Tran and Boyd have given us an invaluable, in-depth yet practical tool for using their Spiritual Discovery Method--along with suggestions about its multiple applications in group settings. What a different world we might have if we all became compassionate observers and practiced the spiritual discovery method!--Margaret F. Arms PhD, Spiritual Director; Instructor, Benedictine Spiritual Formation Program

Spiritual Discovery is a beautifully accessible resource and clearly the fruit of much experience with group discernment. The authors' combination of practical counsel and spiritual insight is nourishing throughout. Groups using this book will not only receive an extensively tested model of discernment but also discover fresh possibilities for discernment in their own unique setting.--Stephen V. Doughty, Author of "To Walk in Integrity"

Spiritual Discovery is a practical guide for groups desiring a prayerful approach to decision-making. The discernment method developed by authors Catherine C. Tran and Sandra Hughes Boyd begins with the prayer model—a process for guiding prayer in small groups created by Jane E. Vennard. This model brings elements of silence and spiritual reflection to the entire decision-making proceeding. The prayer is followed by a time of thoughtful exploration and discussion, resulting in decision-making that draws on both the spirit and the intellect.

The Spiritual Discovery Method facilitates thoughtful discernment, encouraging groups and individuals to attend to how they make decisions. This book offers step-by-step guidance for practicing the Spiritual Discovery Method, addressing essentials and challenges, while also providing concrete examples illustrating how groups have successfully used this process to enact spiritual growth and change. Tran and Boyd show how the skills that participants develop as they practice the Spiritual Discovery Method can be put to use in the everyday world, ready to be called upon for decision-making in any arena. The Spiritual Discovery Method has proven to be a powerful instrument for achieving positive change, and this book helps readers implement this process in their own lives and communities.